Truly Universal: Life After TBI

Meet Jovanna: Therapy, Music, and Personal Growth

What happens when recovery after a traumatic brain injury changes your life, but not your passion? In this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric sit down with Universal client, Jovanna Cedeno for an honest conversation about therapy, recovery, music, identity, and learning how to move forward after life-changing injuries. The gang is also joined by Universal client, Joey. "Jovi" shares her experience recovering from a traumatic brain injury after a car accident and how music became a major part of her healing process. A drummer in the band Last Minet [https://www.instagram.com/last_minet/], she talks about the challenge of relearning how to play after her injury — and finding confidence again through persistence, creativity, and support from her bandmates. The conversation explores: • Recovery after traumatic brain injury • Relearning physical and creative skills after TBI • Cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation • Building confidence after injury • The importance of patience and consistency in recovery • Finding community and connection through therapy and music The group also dives into favorite foods, wrestling, pizza toppings, music, cheese debates, and the little moments that make recovery feel human and relatable. This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, creative, social, and deeply personal. 🎧 Recorded at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey Check out Last Minet HERE [https://www.instagram.com/last_minet/]

Meet Greg: 20 Years of Recovery, Mindset, and Life After TBI

What does 20 years of recovery after a traumatic brain injury actually look like? In this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric sit down with Greg, a long-time client at Universal Institute who has spent two decades committed to his recovery journey. Greg shares a powerful perspective on long-term brain injury rehabilitation, including the mindset, effort, and consistency required to keep moving forward. The conversation explores: • What it means to live with TBI over the long term • Why recovery is directly tied to effort and participation • How therapy becomes a “full-time job” for personal growth • The importance of community and connection in rehab • Finding positivity and purpose after life-changing injury Greg also opens up about his personal progress — including regaining mobility — and how staying engaged has helped him continue to improve over time. Beyond therapy, the episode highlights the role of adaptive sports and lifestyle, including: adaptive surfing along the Jersey Shore adaptive skiing and plans for adaptive mountain biking This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t quick — and it isn’t easy — but with the right mindset, support system, and effort, progress is always possible 🎧 Recorded at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey

Meet Daevon: Art, Growth, and Life After TBI

What does recovery really look like after a traumatic brain injury, years into the journey? In this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric connect with Daevon, a long-time client at Universal Institute, for their first-ever virtual interview. Daevon shares his experience living with multiple head injuries, the challenges of recovery, and what it’s like continuing to rebuild over time. The conversation dives into: • Life after traumatic brain injury and long-term recovery • Finding purpose through graphic design and video editing • The importance of consistency and support in rehabilitation • Taking on new challenges, including transitioning to a new program • Personal growth, independence, and creative identity Davon also opens up about what brings him joy, from music and creativity to exploring his roots and looking ahead to new opportunities. Along the way, the conversation blends humor, personality, and real-life perspective, covering everything from pizza toppings and music to confidence, mindset, and staying true to yourself. This episode is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear — and that growth, creativity, and purpose can continue long after the initial injury. 🎧 Recorded at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey

Meet Will and Joey: Fun with Purpose - Games, Therapy, and Life After TBI

In this episode of Truly Universal, hosts Chris and Eric welcome Will and Joey into the studio for a conversation about recovery, recreation, and life inside the Universal Institute community. Will, a recreational therapist, explains how games and activities can become powerful therapy tools for people recovering from traumatic brain injuries.  From music trivia and Wheel of Fortune to tabletop games and decision-making exercises, the goal is simple: fun with a purpose. Joey shares his experience as a client at Universal and how activities like card games and group sessions help strengthen memory, communication, and confidence. Together, the group talks about: * How recreational therapy supports brain injury recovery * Turning games into cognitive and memory exercises * The importance of engagement and community in rehabilitation * Joey’s experience participating in therapy at Universal Institute The conversation also takes a few fun detours into wrestling rivalries, favorite pizza toppings, ice cream flavors, and the eternal debate between Taylor Ham and pork roll. Because recovery after a brain injury isn’t just about therapy,  it’s about connection, laughter, and continuing to live life. Recorded and produced at Universal Institute in Livingston, NJ.

Meet Tiffany: The Science and Heart Behind TBI Rehabilitation

What does recovery really look like after a traumatic brain injury? In this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, hosts Chris and Eric sit down with Tiffany, Director of Cognitive and Vocational Therapy at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey. Tiffany shares her journey from studying psychology and cognitive neuroscience to leading two of the institute’s most impactful programs. She explains how cognitive therapy helps rebuild thinking skills after brain injury, including attention, memory, communication, and real-world decision making. The conversation explores: * What cognitive therapy looks like after a TBI * Why engagement and meaningful activities are critical to recovery * How vocational programs help clients build real work skills * The emotional and human side of brain injury rehabilitation * Why helping people rediscover purpose is the most fulfilling part of the work Along the way, Chris, Eric, and Tiffany talk about resilience, community, life after trauma, and the importance of creating programs that give clients real opportunities—not just busy work. This episode offers an inside look at how rehabilitation programs help people rebuild confidence, independence, and identity after brain injury. 🎧 Recorded at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey